A Sunshine Coast MP says strengthened police powers would help “restore confidence” in a town battling antisocial behaviour.
Nicklin MP Marty Hunt heralded a bill, introduced to Queensland Parliament, that could provide police with the authority to ban offenders and move on troublemakers in designated areas around the state.
He said it would be a “significant step forward” for Nambour.
“We’ve heard directly from local businesses, residents and workers about unacceptable behaviour in our CBD and community spaces, and we are responding,” he said.
“These new (proposed) laws will give police the clear authority they need to act decisively. That includes the power to issue 24-hour move-on directions and banning notices of up to one month for repeat or serious offenders engaging in threatening, violent, offensive or disorderly conduct.
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“For too long, antisocial behaviour has impacted our town centre. Our community deserves to feel safe when they go to work, shop, or spend time with family.
“With our new Police Beat now operating in Nambour, these (planned) strengthened powers will ensure officers have the practical tools to address issues on the ground and restore confidence in our CBD.”
As chair of the Justice, Integrity and Community Safety Committee, Mr Hunt will lead the parliamentary inquiry into the bill. Community submissions will open shortly, providing residents and stakeholders the opportunity to have their say.
The plan aims to introduce new designated business and community precincts in targeted areas across Queensland; arm police with stronger tools to immediately remove and ban offenders engaging in disorderly, offensive, threatening or violent behaviour in key commercial areas; and allow police to issue 24-hour move-on directions to offenders and banning notices of up to one month for repeat or serious offenders. Contravening these directions would be a criminal offence.
The reforms would also extend Jack’s Law wanding powers into designated business and community precincts, enabling police to detect knives and weapons without a warrant and prevent violence before it occurs.
Premier David Crisafulli said the proposed reforms would protect small businesses, workers and families.
“We’re committed to making Queensland safer and at the heart of that commitment is ensuring police have the tools, the resources and the tough laws they need,” he said.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services Dan Purdie said the legislation, if passed, would give police the laws they need.
“We are … strengthening police powers, allowing officers to move on offenders, ban repeat troublemakers, and stop crime before it escalates,” he said.
“If you threaten or intimidate people, carry knives or use drugs, police will now have the authority to remove you and keep our communities safe.
“This legislation backs our police, backs our small businesses, and delivers safer communities after a decade of Labor failure.”
